My family are self-proclaimed donut aficionados, and we’ve tried pretty much every kind imaginable – from classic glazed to over-the-top creations dripping with frosting and sprinkles. But lately, we’ve been craving something a little different, something with a touch of wholesome goodness but still undeniably delicious. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of baked carrot cake donuts, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! These aren’t your average fried donuts; they are moist, tender, bursting with warm spices, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the carrots. From the moment the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled my kitchen, I knew we were in for a treat. The kids devoured them in minutes, and even my husband, usually a savory breakfast person, couldn’t get enough. These baked carrot cake donuts have become a weekend staple in our house, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you so you can experience the same joy and deliciousness in your own kitchen. Get ready to fall in love with a healthier, yet equally satisfying, way to enjoy donuts!

Ingredients

This recipe is divided into two parts: the donut batter and the cream cheese glaze. Using high-quality ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your baked carrot cake donuts. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need:

For the Baked Carrot Cake Donuts:

All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g). The foundation of our donuts, all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure. Ensure you measure it correctly using the spoon and level method for accurate results.
Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g). Adds sweetness and moisture to the donuts. You can also use light brown sugar for a slightly more molasses-like flavor, although granulated sugar will provide a lighter crumb.
Light Brown Sugar, Packed: ¼ cup (50g). Brown sugar contributes to the moistness and adds a depth of flavor with its subtle caramel notes. Packing it ensures you get the correct amount.
Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons. This is the leavening agent that makes our donuts light and fluffy. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise.
Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon. Works in conjunction with baking powder to create the perfect texture and also reacts with the acidity of the brown sugar to help with leavening.
Ground Cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons. A key spice in carrot cake, cinnamon adds warmth and that classic comforting flavor. Use good quality ground cinnamon for the best aroma.
Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon. Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the spice profile. Freshly grated nutmeg will have the most potent flavor, but ground nutmeg works perfectly well.
Ground Ginger: ¼ teaspoon. Ginger adds a gentle zing and enhances the other spices. A little goes a long way!
Salt: ½ teaspoon. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the donuts. Don’t skip it!
Eggs: 2 large. Eggs bind the ingredients together, add richness, and contribute to the structure and moisture of the donuts. Use large eggs at room temperature for better emulsification.
Vegetable Oil: ½ cup (120ml). Oil contributes to the moistness and tenderness of the donuts, keeping them soft for days. You can use other neutral oils like canola oil or avocado oil.
Milk: ½ cup (120ml). Milk adds moisture and helps to create a smooth batter. You can use whole milk, 2%, or even non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a touch of sweetness and warmth. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Grated Carrots: 1 ½ cups, packed (about 3 medium carrots). The star of the show! Freshly grated carrots are essential for the best flavor and texture. Pack them lightly when measuring. Avoid pre-shredded carrots as they tend to be drier.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): ½ cup. Nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the donuts. Walnuts or pecans are traditional in carrot cake, but you can omit them if you prefer or substitute with raisins or shredded coconut.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

Cream Cheese, softened: 4 ounces (113g). The base of our tangy and sweet glaze. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth and lump-free glaze. Full-fat cream cheese will provide the richest flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat if preferred.
Unsalted Butter, softened: ¼ cup (57g). Butter adds richness and flavor to the glaze and helps to create a smooth and glossy finish. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. Soften it to room temperature alongside the cream cheese.
Powdered Sugar: 2 cups (240g), sifted. Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the glaze. Sifting it ensures a smooth glaze without any lumps.
Milk or Heavy Cream: 2-4 tablespoons. Used to adjust the consistency of the glaze. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more gradually until you reach your desired thickness. Milk will create a thinner glaze, while heavy cream will result in a richer and thicker glaze.
Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the glaze and complements the cream cheese.

Instructions

Baking these carrot cake donuts is easier than you might think! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfectly spiced and glazed donuts every time.

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Donut Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating is crucial for even baking. Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature before placing the donuts inside.
Grease a donut pan generously with non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can grease and flour the pan to ensure the donuts release easily. A well-greased pan is essential for preventing sticking and ensuring your donuts come out cleanly. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake these as muffins in a muffin tin, but the bake time might slightly increase.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisking ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps and ensuring consistent flavor throughout the donuts. This step can be done while the oven preheats.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Whisking the wet ingredients separately helps to emulsify them, creating a smoother batter. Ensure the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. Mix until you no longer see streaks of dry flour.

Step 5: Add Carrots and Nuts (Optional)

Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using) into the batter. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter, ensuring they are incorporated without overmixing.

Step 6: Fill Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip off a corner. Piping the batter makes it easier to fill the donut cavities evenly and neatly.
Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Do not overfill the cavities, as the donuts will rise during baking and may overflow.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the donuts towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking. The donuts should be lightly golden brown and spring back when gently pressed.

Step 8: Cool the Donuts

Let the donuts cool in the donut pan for 5-10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling in the pan slightly allows the donuts to firm up, making them easier to handle. Cooling completely on a wire rack prevents condensation from making the bottoms soggy.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Ensure both the cream cheese and butter are properly softened to avoid lumps in the glaze.
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and beat until smooth and fluffy. Adding powdered sugar gradually prevents it from puffing up in a cloud.
Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream. Beat until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but still pourable.

Step 10: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops of each donut into the cream cheese glaze. Allow the excess glaze to drip back into the bowl.
Alternatively, you can drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon or piping bag.
If desired, sprinkle the glazed donuts with chopped walnuts, pecans, or a dusting of cinnamon for extra visual appeal and flavor.

Step 11: Let Glaze Set

Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack and let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the glaze to firm up slightly and become less sticky.

Enjoy your freshly baked and glazed carrot cake donuts! They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Servings: Approximately 12 donuts
Calories per serving (1 donut, without nuts): Approximately 250-300 calories

Estimated Nutritional Breakdown per Donut (without nuts, glaze included):

Calories: 275
Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g

Important Considerations:

These are baked donuts, making them generally lower in fat and calories compared to fried donuts.
The cream cheese glaze contributes significantly to the sugar and fat content. You can reduce the sweetness of the glaze by using less powdered sugar or opting for a lighter glaze, such as a simple powdered sugar glaze with milk and vanilla.
Adding nuts will increase the calorie and fat content but also add healthy fats and fiber.
This recipe is a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes (includes grating carrots, mixing batter, and making glaze)
Bake Time: 15-18 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes (for donuts and glaze setting)
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

This recipe is relatively quick to make, especially considering the impressive results. Most of the time is spent baking and cooling, allowing you to prepare the glaze and clean up while the donuts are in the oven.

How to Serve

These baked carrot cake donuts are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your donut experience:

Classic Brunch Treat: Serve warm with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for a delightful brunch or weekend breakfast.
Dessert Delight: Enjoy them as a satisfying dessert after dinner. The spiced flavors and cream cheese glaze make them a perfect sweet ending to any meal.
Party Platter: Arrange the donuts on a platter for parties, gatherings, or potlucks. They are always a crowd-pleaser and visually appealing.
Kid-Friendly Snack: These donuts are a healthier alternative to store-bought donuts and are loved by kids of all ages. Pack them in lunchboxes or serve as an afternoon snack.
Elevated Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, drizzle melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the glazed donuts. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted coconut, chopped candied ginger, or orange zest for extra flair.
Warm with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cream cheese ice cream. The warm donut and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.
Alongside Fresh Fruit: Balance the sweetness of the donuts by serving them with a side of fresh berries, sliced oranges, or a fruit salad.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Carrot Cake Donuts

To ensure your baked carrot cake donuts are a resounding success, here are five essential tips to keep in mind:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing is the cardinal sin of baking donuts (and many other baked goods!). Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense donuts instead of light and airy ones. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined, and no streaks of dry flour remain. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Gentle folding is key.
Use Freshly Grated Carrots: Pre-shredded carrots, while convenient, are often drier and lack the moisture and flavor of freshly grated carrots. Freshly grated carrots will impart the best flavor and moisture to your donuts, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Grate them just before you’re ready to use them for optimal freshness.
Properly Grease Your Donut Pan: Sticking donuts are a baker’s nightmare! Generously greasing your donut pan is crucial for easy release. Use non-stick cooking spray and ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies of the pan. For extra insurance, you can grease the pan with butter or shortening and then dust it with flour. This creates a barrier that helps prevent sticking.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaked donuts will be dry and crumbly. Bake them just until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden brown. Start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark and adjust baking time accordingly. Remember that ovens can vary in temperature, so using an oven thermometer can be helpful.
Cool Donuts Completely Before Glazing: Patience is key when it comes to glazing! Make sure your donuts are completely cooled before dipping them in the cream cheese glaze. If the donuts are still warm, the glaze will melt and become runny, making it difficult to achieve a nice, even coating. Cooling the donuts allows the glaze to adhere properly and set beautifully.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers to help you master the art of baking carrot cake donuts:

Q1: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can definitely make the donuts ahead of time! Baked carrot cake donuts are surprisingly moist and hold up well. You can bake the donuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. However, it’s best to glaze them just before serving for the freshest and most appealing presentation. If you glaze them ahead of time, the glaze may become slightly less glossy over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Q2: Can I freeze baked carrot cake donuts?

A: Yes, you can freeze baked carrot cake donuts, unglazed. Allow the baked donuts to cool completely. Then, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the donuts at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Glaze them after thawing for the best results. Freezing glazed donuts is not recommended as the glaze may become sticky and lose its texture upon thawing.

Q3: I don’t have a donut pan. Can I bake these as muffins?

A: Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can easily bake this batter as muffins. Simply fill muffin liners in a muffin tin about ¾ full and bake for approximately 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Muffins may require slightly longer baking time than donuts. The flavor and texture will be very similar, and you can still enjoy them with the cream cheese glaze.

Q4: Can I make these donuts gluten-free or vegan?

A: Yes, with some substitutions, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free or vegan.

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum or another binder to provide structure. Gluten-free flours can sometimes absorb more liquid, so you may need to slightly adjust the amount of milk if the batter seems too thick.
Vegan: To make these donuts vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Use a plant-based milk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. For the cream cheese glaze, use vegan cream cheese and vegan butter. Vegan cream cheese glazes may have a slightly different texture, so adjust the milk/cream accordingly to achieve your desired consistency.

Q5: Can I add other spices or ingredients to the donuts?

A: Definitely! Feel free to customize these carrot cake donuts to your liking. Here are some delicious additions and variations:

Spices: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to enhance the spice profile.
Dried Fruit: Include ¼ cup of raisins or dried cranberries along with the carrots and nuts for extra chewiness and sweetness.
Orange Zest: Grate the zest of one orange into the batter for a bright citrusy note that complements the carrot and spices beautifully.
Pineapple: Add ½ cup of crushed pineapple (drained well) for a classic carrot cake twist.
Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for a touch of chocolatey indulgence.

Experiment and find your favorite combination! Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful baked carrot cake donuts!